ACE-CHC vs ACE-GFI

certification

certification

2029-03-31

2029-03-31

Health coaches

Group fitness instructors

18

18

Have completed high school diploma (or the equivalent)

Must have completed high school (or the equivalent)

no

no

No experience required per ACE program pages; the ACE credential listing page states candidates must submit documentation for ONE of: a current NCCA-accredited certification in fitness, nutrition, healthcare, wellness, human resources or related field; an associate's degree or higher in fitness, exercise science, nutrition, healthcare, wellness or related field; a completed NBHWC-approved health coach training program; or a minimum of 2 years of work experience in coaching/leading/designing behavior or lifestyle change, exercise, wellness, nutrition or physical activity (documented by resume)

yes

yes

Current adult CPR and AED certification with a live (hands-on) skills check completed prior to exam registration (CPR only required outside the U.S./Canada); present a current government-issued photo ID with signature. No prerequisites to purchase a study program.

Hold a current adult CPR/AED certification with a hands-on (in-person or virtual) live skills check (CPR/AED courses without skills check not accepted; AED only required in USA and Canada); present a current government-issued photo ID with signature (driver's license, passport, military ID).

NCCA-accredited ACE Certified Health Coach Certification Exam; multiple-choice, taken either at an in-person proctored testing site or online via Live Remote Proctor (Meazure Learning/ProctorU, English only)

In-person proctored exam at a testing location or online via Live Remote Proctor (Meazure Learning/ProctorU); multiple choice

150

180 minutes

Minimum passing score of 500 on a scale up to 800

Score of 500 or greater (scaled)

If not passed, candidates may use a retake voucher (if available in MyACE Account) or purchase an additional exam at a discounted retake fee, valid for one year after the initial test date. Exam must be registered within 6 months of study program purchase (voucher redemption period); Live Remote Proctor exams must be completed within 60 days of registration.

Retake available. Candidates may have a retake voucher in their MyACE account; otherwise an additional exam can be purchased at a discounted retake fee, valid for one year after the initial test date. Exam voucher has a 6-month redemption period; after registering for a Live Remote Proctored exam, candidates have 60 days to complete it.

yes

yes

2 years

2 years

2

2

ACE CEC (0.1 CEC = 1 hour of structured learning; 2.0 CECs = 20 hours)

ACE CEC (0.1 CEC = 1 hour of structured learning; 2.0 CECs = 20 hours)

$129 standard

$129 standard

yes

yes

yes

yes

Credential must be renewed every two years; all CECs must be completed between the start and end dates of the two-year renewal cycle shown in the My ACE account. Late renewal is possible up to 3 months ($169) and up to 6 months ($199) past expiration; more than 6 months past expiration requires contacting ACE support. Excess CECs do not roll over, and if the certification expires without completing CECs the exam must be retaken.

Credential must be renewed every two years; CECs must be completed between the start and end dates of the renewal cycle shown in the My ACE profile. Late renewal permitted up to 3 months and up to 6 months past expiration at higher fees; more than 6 months past expiration requires contacting ACE support. If 2.0 CECs are not completed and the certification expires, the exam must be retaken.

active

active

2026-09-03

2026-09-03

American Council on Exercise (ACE) (petition accepted) · Accredited colleges/universities (college coursework) (accepts ceus from) · ACE-Approved Continuing Education Providers (voluntary ACE approval program) (approved ceu provider)

American Council on Exercise (ACE) (petition accepted) · ACE-Approved Continuing Education Providers (ACE Pre-Approved Course Directory) (approved ceu provider)

Behavior Change, Nutrition Coaching

Personal Training